No shame in the result on Wednesday. Yes, Liverpool faded badly after a bright start. But we think that this is the best Real Madrid side in modern times. It may not have quite a high a profile squad as the one which housed Zidane, Figo and Brazilian Ronaldo. But it’s a better unit. They play beautifully together and the balance is there. In Modric and Kroos Madrid have a midfield to compare with Xavi and Iniesta in their prime and they may yet achieve more than any other Real vintage.
So it’s time for Liverpool to brush themselves down and start to get on with the business of winning league matches. But this one won’t be easy. Hull got a draw at Arsenal last week and came away feeling as if it was two points dropped. Steve Bruce has them playing well and Liverpool will need to be on the front foot from the off.
In truth we expect a comfortable win for a Liverpool side ready to bounce back from the midweek football lesson. A big question is whether Balotelli starts after being hooked at half time against Madrid. Brendan Rodger said he made the change because he wanted more movement up front – not a good subtext as far as The Italian is concerned.
We think that Liverpool should keep playing him. With Sturridge out for a few more weeks they have to hope Mario will come good. Reagrdless of all the abuse he got for swapping shirts with Pepe at half time – which, let’s face it, is a huge storm in a teacup – this guy is a goal scorer. Given time he will do damage for Liverpool – in a good way.
Daniel Sturridge, Mamadou Sakho and Jon Flanagan are still injured so here is our Liverpool line up. Anfield faithful: agreed?
